Community college degrees may pay off short term

WASHINGTON – Have two years to spare? New studies show community college degrees are worth more than they used to be. But there’s a catch.

CNBC reports that to be worth more, community college degrees need to be in a technical or occupational program. These include programs like those for computer specialists and mechanical technicians.

With these types of degrees, workers can make around $40,000 a year in salary. Those graduating from two-year nursing programs can make more than $45,000. This is more than the average salary for bachelor’s degree holders in history, political science and English.

The caveat, however, is that the advanced degrees still earn more over the course of a lifetime.